Learning support volunteers volunteer volunteer roles
Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.
Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.
As a Family Support Volunteer with Tŷ Hafan, you’ll help ease the everyday pressures families face by offering help in the home. This might include light cleaning, tidying, laundry, garden maintenance or supporting the siblings, whatever matches your skills and the family’s needs.
Your support will give families the breathing space to focus on what matters most: spending time together.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
• Practical support activities such as supporting with housework, decluttering spaces or gardening
• Child focused activities such as reading, play and providing fun
• Wellbeing & therapeutic support (if qualified) such as complimentary therapies and mindfulness
• Family support & companionship activities such as offering emotional support and conversation, accompanying families to appointments, etc.
These activities can be matched to each volunteer’s skills, experience, and comfort level, and always tailored to the family’s preferences and needs.
We are looking for volunteers who:
• Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;
• Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;
• Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;
• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;
• Are polite and friendly;
• Can adapt to different situations and challenges;
• Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:
• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;
• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about fitness and the positive impact it can have on others? Do you hold a fitness qualification and interested in volunteering your time to support people in crisis? If so, we have the perfect role for you!
What you will be doing
- Design session plans which will enable group members to increase fitness and their general well-being
- Able to recognise the needs of beginners and mixed age/ability groups
- Ensure that everyone taking part has completed a health and wellbeing form, which includes referring those with existing health issues to their GP
- Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
The skills you need
- A skilled and qualified Fitness Instructor
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
- Calm and patient approach
- Willing to participate in supervision and to liaise with Hestia staff as required
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Service Delivery Volunteer
Last year 786,574 people were offered information and support from Victim Support. As a Service Delivery Volunteer you will provide specialist support services for people affected by crime.
Why volunteer with us?
· Make a difference - you will volunteer directly with victims and/or alongside staff.
· Gain skills and experience - you will receive training on how to provide practical and emotional support.
· Join our community - you will be part of a large community of over 1,500 volunteers and staff.
· Beyond your role – attend one or our many events/webinars and join one of our six Equality, Diversity & Inclusion networks.
Volunteering with Victim Support in Staffordshire
As a Volunteer in Staffordshire your role will include:
· Making a real impact by helping people affected by crime feel safer, supported, and empowered.
· Building valuable skills and confidence through specialist training in safeguarding, risk assessment, and supporting victims of crime.
· Representing Victim Support at local events and community activities, raising awareness and connecting with people who need help.
· Networking with local organisations and community partners, gaining insight into multi-agency working and referral pathways.
What do we ask of you?
In order to join us as a Service Delivery Volunteer, you must:
· Be 18 years of age or over.
· Be able to volunteer for at least 3 hours per week, for at least 12 months.
· Undertake training over a 10-week period – this includes five virtual training days as well as completing a workbook and online learning modules.
· Undertake an enhanced DBS check & be part of the DBS update service.
· Be able to provide two satisfactory references.
· Have an active email address that you are comfortable using in order to engage with VS communications.
Expenses
· All Victim Support volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket expenses incurred whilst volunteering, including travel and lunch.
Diversity Matters
· VS strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.
· VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.
· We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support you through the application process.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Joining this role means you'll be at the heart of providing essential support to families facing the unimaginable; caring for their child who's life will be short.
Many families in Wales are unfortunately facing this challenge alone, without support from others.
As a Family Support Volunteer with Tŷ Hafan, you’ll help ease the everyday pressures families face by offering help in the home. This might include light cleaning, tidying, laundry, garden maintenance or supporting the siblings, whatever matches your skills and the family’s needs.
Your support will give families the breathing space to focus on what matters most: spending time together.
Considerations:
Age requirement: 21+
Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area)
Time commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks.
Background checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting.
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers with some skills, experience and knowledge of gardening, either as a profession or as a hobby.
Activities include:
• Practical support activities such as supporting with housework, decluttering spaces or gardening
• Child focused activities such as reading, play and providing fun
• Wellbeing & therapeutic support (if qualified) such as complimentary therapies and mindfulness
• Family support & companionship activities such as offering emotional support and conversation, accompanying families to appointments, etc.
These activities can be matched to each volunteer’s skills, experience, and comfort level, and always tailored to the family’s preferences and needs.
We are looking for volunteers who:
• Can empathise with the families you are helping and show them kindness and respect;
• Are reliable and flexible and committed to volunteering on a longer term basis;
• Will follow our health and safety guidelines, policies and procedures and report any issues or concerns to the Family Support Volunteer Manager;
• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting;
• Are polite and friendly;
• Can adapt to different situations and challenges;
• Enjoy making a difference in the lives of others
At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.
We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role.
Training you will receive:
You will receive a comprehensive introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, to include an in-person Induction and Training Programme as well as additional e-learning.
You will be a part of a friendly and supportive team who will assist you with any queries or concerns through regular and ongoing meetings.
Other role and organisation specific training is available including both supplementary and mandatory training.
All volunteers must maintain their mandatory training to continue in their role.
The benefits of becoming a Practical Family Support Volunteer in Family Homes:
• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy;
• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year;
• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others;
• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role.
This role is purely voluntary and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract.
A Wales where every child with a life-shortening condition lives a fulfilling life, supported with the compassion and specialist care they need.


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?
At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
- To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
- Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
- Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
- Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
- Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
- Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities
The skills you need
- A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
- Calm and patient approach
- Good communication skills
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about food and wellbeing? Do you enjoy sharing your culinary skills and nutritional knowledge to empower others? This role is a fantastic opportunity to support individuals in building confidence, life skills, and healthier habits through food.
What you will be doing
- Leading weekly cooking sessions tailored to residents’ needs and interests
- Sharing tips on healthy eating, meal planning, and nutrition
- Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation
- Supporting individuals in building confidence and life skills through food
The skills you need
- Experienced and qualified nutritionist
- A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt sessions to suit different needs and abilities
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shape the Heart of MINDSET Charity – Build a Community of Purpose
Who We Are
MINDSET Charity is a new, volunteer-run organisation dedicated to transforming men’s lives across England. We support men on their journeys of mental wellbeing and self-improvement through workshops, creative programmes, and community-building activities.
We are building a movement of resilience, dignity, and brotherhood. To make this possible, we need a dedicated HR & Volunteering Manager to create and nurture our volunteer community.
The Role of HR & Volunteering Manager
As our Volunteer HR & Volunteering Manager, you will:
-
Design and launch our volunteering programme, ensuring clarity, inclusivity, and impact.
-
Recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers, building a team of talented, skilled, and positive individuals.
-
Foster a brilliant team-spirited culture, where volunteers feel valued, supported, and inspired.
-
Develop policies and processes that safeguard wellbeing and sustain long-term engagement.
-
Champion our values of brotherhood, empowerment, integrity, and growth in every aspect of volunteer management.
This is a volunteer role, but your leadership will be the heartbeat of MINDSET Charity — creating a community that makes a real difference in men’s lives.
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who share our passion for men’s mental wellbeing. Experience in HR, volunteer management, or team leadership is highly valuable, but what matters most is your commitment to building a culture of positivity, dignity, and purpose.
Why Join Us
-
Be part of a pioneering charity at its foundation stage.
-
Shape the volunteer culture of a national movement.
-
See your work directly empower men and communities.
-
Collaborate with passionate volunteers united by vision and brotherhood.
How to Apply
If you’re ready to build a community of purpose and help shape MINDSET Charity’s future, we’d love to hear from you.
This is more than HR. It’s about creating a family of volunteers who stand together, uplift one another, and change lives. Join us, and let’s build MINDSET together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Trustee for the Collaborative Learning Trust and make a lasting difference to children in the local area. As a member of our Board you'll help shape the strategic direction and future success of our seven Leeds and Bradford schools (both community schools and Church of England schools).
We’re always on the lookout for people keen to both support and challenge the way we work, to enrich the learning experience of our pupils.
The role will give you the chance to make a positive impact on the lives of children and young people and an opportunity to give something back to your local community. You will also be joining the largest volunteer force in the country – there are over a quarter of a million volunteers in governing roles in state funded schools in England.
As a Trustee, you will develop valuable board-level and leadership experience, enhancing your ability to influence strategically, ask the right questions, and lead through collaboration. Working alongside senior professionals from diverse backgrounds, you’ll broaden your understanding of how effective governance and compassionate leadership creates lasting impact, use your experience to help children of every ability thrive, and grow your leadership in a supportive environment along the way.
Anyone aged over 18 can be a Trustee and you do not need to be a parent. There is no requirement for you to have a formal understanding of the education system, just an enquiring mind, the ability to work as part of a team and the time to contribute and attend the half-termly meetings. There is plenty of training available.
We are particularly keen to hear from applicants with professional experience in pupils with Special Education Needs (SEND) or expertise in audit, finance and estates management, however our schools will benefit from a range of professional knowledge on their Trust Board including education, human resources, legal, marketing, public relations and organisational change.
The role includes attendance in person at six meetings (one each half term) plus five committee meetings across the academic year, with background reading.
Trustees have a right to reasonable time off work for their public duties, although this may be unpaid. Your company’s HR department will be able to tell you about its policy.
The term of office for Trustees is four years. Many people choose to serve multiple terms. However, as a volunteer you can resign before your term is finished if your circumstances change. You will be offered an introductory meeting with the Chair of the Trust Board and CEO. A full induction programme and training will be shared and a mentor provided for all new Trustees.
Trustee roles are voluntary roles and therefore not paid, but travelling expenses are available.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have a passion for using your beautician skills and expertise to support those who have experienced crisis? People in our services would benefit from social engagement, relaxation, and joy from learning about simple treatments they could use for themselves such as hand, foot massaging, manicures, pedicures, hair styling, cutting, overall hygiene tips and routines.
What you will be doing
- Facilitate weekly sessions via zoom
- Encourage group discussions around wellbeing, self-esteem and looking after themselves
- Inspire and motivate the group to be involved in future planning/designing of the session
- Share basic beauty tips and routines with group members
- Offer relaxation techniques that can be used to de-stress and promote positive mental wellbeing
The skills you need
- A skilled and qualified beautician
- Calm and patient approach
- Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks
Do you enjoy problem-solving, have a knack for technology, and want to make a meaningful impact in a charitable setting? This is an exciting opportunity for an IT Volunteer to provide first-line support and assist with day-to-day IT operations. This is a hybrid role, mostly remote however there may be necessity to visit our main locations on occasion. It is ideal for anyone living in the Milton Keynes area who can commit regular time and enjoys working in a small, collaborative team.
Overview of opportunity
Our IT team ensures smooth operations for staff and volunteers by managing systems and providing technical support. We currently use Google Workspace applications but are undergoing an assessment to transition to Microsoft Office.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!
The RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch
The Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
IT First Line Support Volunteer responsibilities
-
Monitor IT Support Emails:
-
Check daily, sort and redirect issues as needed.
-
User Management:
-
Onboarding and offboarding staff and volunteers
-
Creating and managing user accounts in Google Workspace
-
Assigning email access and permissions
-
First-Line Support:
-
Triage incoming IT queries
-
Basic troubleshooting and escalation where necessary
-
Ticket Management:
-
Log and track support requests
-
Ensure timely resolution or escalation
-
Participate in Monthly IT Call:
-
Share updates and collaborate with the team.
What we are looking for in an IT First Line Support Volunteer
-
Experience in a similar IT support role
-
Understanding of IT systems and troubleshooting
-
Some knowledge of Google Workspace administration (advantageous)
-
Strong organisational and communication skills
-
Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
-
Comfortable using ticketing systems (or willing to learn)
-
Reliable internet connection and access to a computer
-
An interest in animal welfare.
-
Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment
What we can offer you as an IT First Line Support Volunteer
-
You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.
-
Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.
-
Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.
-
Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.
How to Apply:
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Milton Keynes & North Bucks Branch
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Admin Volunteers provide vital support to our staff and volunteers to help us reach as many people as possible with the Mary’s Meals story and help us keep our promise to the 3 million children we feed every day. Pease note that the admin volunteer role is not always available in all regions of the UK - please enquire for more information.
What is the role of an Admin Volunteer?
The role of Admin Volunteer may involve:
- Conducting research
- Data entry
- Contacting organisations to offer talks or promote our campaigns
- Helping us to thank our supporters
- Supporting event organisation
- Providing general admin support
- Allocating volunteer speakers to booked talks
What difference will i make?
- You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
- You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
- You will help us find new places to give talks, and support volunteers who are giving these talks to have all the information they need
- You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
- You will help us provide a good service to supporters
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
You can expect us to
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ride High Children’s Volunteer
Children's team seeking friendly, encouraging, supportive volunteers that are open to working with horses. No experience necessary.
At Ride High MK, our charity helps over 120 children a week. These local children are referred to us for many reasons and could face serious challenges including poverty, mental health issues, and social isolation or be tackling issues such as grief, young carer responsibilities and bullying. With referrals from over 40 local agencies, including CAMHS, schools, and social services, Ride High plays a critical role in Milton Keynes’ social care and wellbeing landscape. We do this through a unique combination of equine-assisted learning and education.
Every two-hour session for the children consists of one hour riding and horse care and one hour of clubroom work. The instructors at the riding school run the hour on the yard with our volunteers supporting the children and our skilled club leaders run the clubroom sessions. These include various projects and creative activities to work on personal and life skills.
The Children’s volunteer role involves welcoming the children, helping to find their equipment, getting them out into the stable yard for their lesson on time, assisting with riding lessons where appropriate (no experience necessary) and clubroom activities, giving the children refreshments and helping to see that they get their transport home.
We are looking for volunteers, aged 18 or over, who can commit to a regular weekly time to work with the children; helping to build their confidence, encouraging them to participate in sessions. Our greatest need is for volunteers who can help in the yard sessions, donating an hour of their time each week for the first hour of the session to help us keep the children safe and giving reassurance and encouragement so they get the most out of their session with the horses. The volunteers lead our horses while the children hone their skills and help them to understand and process directions from their riding instructors.
Timings:
Monday to Friday (term-time only). 10:30am - 12:30pm 1:30pm-2:30pm or 2:30pm-3:30pm
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to listen, some basic I.T skills and good written and spoken English. If so, this could be the role for you.
Our Branch provides lifelong support to anyone who has ever served, in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and their dependants. We also give support to those who has been in the Merchant Navy, Seafarers, Fishermen and their dependants, and British Airways staff past and present. Our main role is seeking welfare benevolent grants on behalf of clients who reside in the 26 counties in the Republic of Ireland. They can arrange anything from household goods, funeral costs, mobility aids or other general needs. Legal fees are not considered. We would advise clients to seek state and local benefits by signposting them to the relevant agencies.
What is a caseworker?
Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of help they need, this might be funds for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.
Why do we need you?
Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan. Our trained volunteers listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help people navigate life in and beyond military service. We need you to join your local SSAFA team to help us achieve this.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. Our volunteers are based at home with a yearly AGM invite.
What does this role involve?
• Contacting clients and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time
• Meeting clients and completing a form to assess their circumstances
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice
• Keeping in touch with your branch so they know your availability
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer or fundraiser
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the
Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
• Support people in your community with a military background and their dependents
• Use your skills, knowledge and life experience to benefit others
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support will you receive?
• On-line or face to face instructor led training and e-learning modules, to prepare you for your voluntary role.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact. •
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
What skills or experience do you need?
• Good listening and communication skills including written and spoken English
• Respectful and non-judgemental with clients, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of clients by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms
• If required, willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the caseworker training course)
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable attitude, contact clients promptly, keep appointments, update the branch regarding your availability
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients
• Friendly and approachable with some experience of coordinating people and admin
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives)
Is a criminal record check required? Yes, Garda Vetting, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Why we want you
Our vision is a society in which Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive. When anyone in the Armed Forces community finds themselves in need, SSAFA is the charity they can turn to – no one’s service is ever forgotten. More and more people need help, so we are growing our network of dedicated caseworkers.
Come and join our team! You will be making a real difference to the lives of those who need financial, practical, and emotional support. We value all our volunteers and the unique skills and experience they bring.
What you will be doing
· Arranging to talk with potential beneficiaries (on the phone or face to face) at a mutually convenient time
· Understanding peoples’ support needs and gathering information to assess their circumstances
· Typing written case reports to apply for financial assistance
· Sign-posting to services providing specialist support, such as mental health or housing support
· Keeping beneficiaries and the SSAFA regional office up to date with progress
The skills you need
· Friendly and approachable
· Great written and verbal communication skills
· Non-judgemental
· Reliable
· Basic IT skills
What's in it for you
· Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
· Be part of a friendly and supportive SSAFA team
· Develop your experience and skills which you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
· Access a range of training and learning opportunities
Disclaimer
SSAFA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those involved in our work and expects volunteers to share this commitment. This role qualifies for a criminal record check, which will be carried out at no cost to you. If you have a criminal record, it won't necessarily stop you from becoming a volunteer. Please read our Volunteer Vetting Guidance for more information.
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


